a bit about Oneonta

I am a three block walk from downtown, which has about as much retail on it as all of Knoxville's downtown, crammed into three or four big blocks. There is the Tomato Head analog--the Autumn Cafe--where Scott, the Diva and I had dinner the other night. It isn't quite as inviting as the 'Head, but it is very, very, very good. The tofu is marinated in some kind of tarragon-based dressing that is yummy and different. And they have an extensive wine/beer/hard cider menu that is perfect for a blustery fall day.

Also of interest downtown, where there seem to only be two or three empty storefronts:
A couple of head shops, who also sell the requisite incense and candles and oils and whatnot.
Two fancy restaurants--one Italian, one wine and tapas.
A solid used bookstore.
A former Woolworth's that now some off-brand 5 and 10.
An office supply store and a sporting goods store, where they also string tennis racquets.
A great coffee shop, The Magic Bean.
Private Drawers, which stocks antique chests of drawers and lingerie (not antique).
A department store, Bresee's, that has seen better days.
And a couple of clubs and bars and tattoo piercing parlors and a Greek/Thai diner, whose menu has to been seen to be appreciated.

All of the merchants seem to be doing fairly well. I'm down there fairly often, taking the baby for walks and enjoying the fall weather. (Apropos of that--the weatherguy warned us that today was going to be the last really nice day until, like, Spring. The rest of the week promises to get downright nippy, with highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s. Woo.) It's surprising, given how loudly the downtown death knell has been rung on a national level. It's doing quite well here, it seems.

What helps is what I did this morning. Every Saturday and Tuesday afternoon there's a farmer's market, where local organic farmers and craftspersons can hawk their wares. I just picked up fresh corn, beets, a type of apple that I'd never before heard of (and whose name I promptly forgot--sorry), almost bought some pie pumpkins and a garlic braid, did buy some handcream made from organic herbs and local beeswax--all of this for under $10. Stone and Thistle Farms had a booth where they were selling organic eggs and taking orders for free-range turkeys. I'll probably invest in their meats, since Fast Food Nation scared the poo out of me on the whole meat front but it was damn near impossible to find a place in Knoxville that could deliver both quality and variety. All is all, a good morning. The Market will go away once the snow starts flying, of course, and it'll be missed.

Of course, there are a whole lot of things Knoxville had that Oneonta doesn't--but that's another post for another day.

And, note to Adam, I did get your questions (thanks!) I just have been mulling them over. I am a muller. Look at me mull.

Comments

[Melissa]

I have fall envy.

[Adam]

I know not this "fall" of which you speak. These "seasons", what be they?

[Adrienne]

To interpret for the Texas contigent--the seasons that I speak of are what you would call spring (which is what we call summer), winter (which is what we call fall), then six months of people driving into Town Lake (which is what we call winter--and are significantly more prepared to deal with it).

Our fall, unlike the Texas fall, does last for more then a week and is absolutely gorgeous. I had to break out a jacket today. Of course, you all will be laughing your butts off come February, but now I think I have the better deal.

[Adam]

Oh, yes! Fall! We call that February 3rd-8th.